Getting a better motoring deal

Love them or hate them, car ownership is a fact of modern life. Unless you live in the middle of a town or city you will need a car to get to work or school, do the shopping or just visit friends.

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Timing

In the world of motoring, timing can be everything. There may be two new registration dates each year now, but people still want the kudos of visibly owning a new car. So:

  • Used cares are, of course, available all year round. But there may be more bargains to be had if you buy after the new registrations come out in March and September. Dealers often find themselves awash with cars taken in part exchange which can give you the upper hand when it comes to bargaining on the price.
  • Salesmen will have targets to meet, so buying at the end of the month may give you some flexibility as they try and reach their sales goals.
  • There could also be better deals to be had towards the end of the dealer’s financial year as they try and boost overall sales figures.
  • Quiet holiday times are often the best times to buy cars because market interest is at its thinnest; for example, the Christmas break and early August.
  • If you want a convertible, autumn and winter are the best times to buy.